Category: Change is the Only Option

Port discovers a truth….     Sarita thought Mandy might be over her anger by morning, but she was cold and had little to say as they helped families who sheltered in the main house. The two women kept the children busy so the parents could collect nut tree fronds and cut the tree grass to…

Refugio, an inconvenient death, a plan disrupted…     Francos and Megal were discussing how trade agreements with Utopia could help guide the negotiations with Port. Megal pointed out that many of the goods that came from Utopia may have originated in Port.     “I doubt that,” Francos said. “Port does their shipping and raids their…

Utopia Colony, Farm 22, learning the truth…     “If everyone will find a seat, we can start.” Simon knew he had to explain about Sarita. The rumors and gossip were full of bad information. Most of his people believed that this meeting was about the move they would be making.     “I have much to…

Utopia, a hearing, trouble afoot…     Simon arrived in the city late in the evening and checked into the central hostel as usual. He found many messages waiting for him. Inspector Rhody asked him to contact her as soon as he got in and several friends from previous visits left similar messages. He was surprised…

A welcome, decisions, changes…     “Blackie is back!” As the ship eased into the pier, Spacer and Boats went to the end of the dock to welcome them.     “Hey, Julie sailed in yesterday. She said they sailed around the planet and there is more land off to the east from us.”     Blackie stood…

An unexpected offer to Port and a break with custom…     Mandy was serving as runner when the far speaker let her know Spacer had an important message from Blackie and it was important.     “Don’t let anyone else see that message except Spacer, Mandy.”  Mandy was surprised because usually, the message of a returning…

Sailors captured, an offer made…     “Any word from the shore?” Blackie called to the watcher on the deck. “Gunson will answer for this if we don’t get the price we set.”     “I see some folk walking down the hill toward the wharf, Blackie. Better get up here. Some of them are armed.” Blackie…

Settling down in Port, learning psy power…     Spacer was not thrilled with the arrangements Mandy had made, but a quick conversation with the sickbay staff changed his mind. They were very willing to have the woman come help if she was willing to work. A group of seaweed workers had tangled with some stinging…

Refugio, a ransom note, an opportunity…     “This is an outrage, Francos! You must do something.” Joachim Pesch had barged into the private office red-faced and puffing. “This time those criminals have gone too far!” A ship from Port had entered the harbor that morning under a flag of parley. “They have stopped a flagged…

Awakened power, understanding, begrudging acceptance…     Mandy found her there in the morning. She was curled up on the ground just under the awning by the hall door. Mandy was frightened. No other buffer woman had ever left the bedroom like this. Spacer was still asleep, sprawled on the bed in the bedroom. It was…